Tag: forklift technology|forklifts|materials handling

Clark has launched a new high-lift pallet truck onto the market. The efficient and versatile PSX16 pedestrian stacker with foldable ride-on platform and side protection bars is suitable for the economical transport of goods over longer distances as well as for the storage and retrieval of goods on higher racking levels.

For particularly intensive applications, the PSX16 is also available with a Lithium-Ion battery (Li-Ion). It can then be used wherever operators want to benefit from the advantages of this technology, such as easy handling and free from maintenance, the intermediate charging capability or the gassing-free recharging of the battery. With the PSX16, Clark presents its first high-lift pallet truck with Li-Ion battery and expands the product range in the field of Li-Ion vehicles once again.

With a load capacity of 1600kg, servo steering as standard, a battery capacity of up to 375Ah of the lead-acid version as well as an side battery removal system, the electric high-lift truck PSX16 offers everything needed for demanding use in industry, distribution and trade.

Clark says the truck is characterised by a robust design and intuitive operation. Thanks to compact dimensions and a small turning radius, the unit is ideally suited for applications in space-critical work areas and pedestrian operation. For this purpose, both the stand-on platform and the side bars can be folded away. In pedestrian mode, the travel speed is reduced, enabling precise manoeuvring. The powerful lift motor and the proportional hydraulic system ensure smooth and precise lifting and lowering of loads at lifting heights of up to 5.8m.

The four-point support system allows the lift to be positioned at any height. With the aid of the four-point support, the operator achieves a high residual capacity with the PSX16. The modern drive motor in three-phase AC technology guarantees a high degree of efficiency with powerful acceleration and fast change of direction. Thanks to the excellent energy balance of the PSX16, the operator can look forward to low operating costs.

Ergonomic and safe load handling

For easy and ergonomic ascent and descent, Clark has designed the platform step height to be very low at only 160mm. Good all-round visibility ensures that the operator always has the fork tips and load in view. On longer transport routes and in curves, he benefits from side guards with a soft-grip surface that ensure a comfortable grip.

The operator can activate the side guards without leaving the truck. The operator’s spine is relieved by the spring-loaded, low-vibration ride-on platform. The driver can thus cover even longer distances without stress. For a high level of safety, the speed is automatically reduced when cornering. The truck has roll-back protection for safe use on gentle slopes. The standard mast damping system allows the operator to store and retrieve goods safely and without jolts.

The ergonomic tiller is equally suitable for right- and left-handers. The display integrated in the frame provides information about the battery charge level, operating hours and error code messages.

The PSX16 high-lift pallet truck is also available as a Li-Ion version with a battery voltage of 205Ah for particularly intensive operations or in multi-shift use. The high energy density of the battery enables high driving performance and availability without the hassle of changing the battery. The Li-Ion battery guarantees extremely short charging times.

A 24/7 truck availability can be achieved by fast intermediate charging during break times without limiting the battery life. To do this, simply connect the external charger to the battery. No high-voltage connection is required. The battery can be recharged at any 230V socket. Battery and charger in the Li-Ion version are optimally matched to each other, and the built-in battery management system ensures safe operation.

In addition, the operator benefits from numerous advantages that have a positive effect on operating costs: Compared to the lead-acid battery, the Li-Ion battery has a longer service life. There is no additional expense for maintenance work, as the Li-Ion battery is maintenance-free. Intermediate charging can be carried out without the need for a special charging room and the charging location does not need to be ventilated as there is no gassing. Clark uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which have a safe cell chemistry. Thus, using the Li-Ion battery is also a good choice from an ecological point of view.

With the MXS3 and MXS4, UniCarriers is expanding its successful MX series of electric counterbalanced trucks with new models that it says set benchmarks in agility, performance and intelligence.

All the new models are characterised by their compact and robust design, excellent manoeuvrability and intelligent control systems. This makes them ideal for dynamic handling tasks in demanding, confined environments.

The MXS3 line is made up of 3-wheel forklifts with capacities from 1.4 to 2 tonnes, while the 4-wheel forklifts from the MXS4 line have capacities of 1.6 to 2 tonnes. With this expansion, the MX series now covers all categories of logistical tasks, from the MXS all the way to the heavy-duty MXL range. It means that warehouse operators can find a one-stop solution for every application, from a single supplier.

The MXS3 and MSX4 combine the heritage of their award-winning predecessors, the TX3 and TX4, with the advanced technology of the MX series. All systems and components are specified for robustness, ease of maintenance and high operating efficiency, as well as excellent ergonomics.

With their compact design, amazing manoeuvrability and intelligent control systems, UniCarriers says the MXS3 and MXS4 are ideal for handling tasks in cramped, fast-paced environments. The latest steering technology maximises agility and productivity in tight spaces.

Four-wheel steering with +100° rear turning axle provides the MXS4 with smooth and agile manoeuvring, including instant side turns with no pushback. The MXS3 features 360° steering that allows the truck to turn 180° without stopping. The unique UniCarriers S3 – Stability Support System – adapts rapidly to pedal operation, and ensures all movements are smooth. Advanced curve control enables the fastest safe cornering speed in every situation. To ensure safe operation whatever the lift height or load, advanced hydraulics keep load handling steady and precisely controlled.

The system performance of a truck is defined by the interaction between vehicle and operator, and the MSX3 and MSX4 are both optimally tuned to their driver. Among their most outstanding features is a set of intelligent assistive technologies that ensure maximum driver comfort and safety.

Advanced safety features, ergonomic controls and comfortable working conditions enhance driver confidence, performance and satisfaction. The ProVision design with its unique transparent front panel gives the driver excellent vision in all directions, ensuring safe handling. An advanced full-colour display visualises data to ensure that the driver always has the most important information available at a glance. Spacious operator compartments offer comfort and easy access features for drivers of all sizes, in any of the perfect-fit cabin solutions – including optional cold store modification.

Built to cope with the harshest conditions, this truck range is suitable for deployment in food and beverage manufacturing and wholesale, fishing and fish processing, chemicals, textiles or general and refrigerated warehousing and storage, just to name a few examples – or wherever a powerful, intelligent and agile handling solution is required.

The MXS3 and MXS4 are available now from the manufacturer and all UniCarriers dealers.

Rising confidence as business looks for a swift recovery from a succession of pandemic-induced lockdowns is generating unprecedented demand for new lift trucks across nearly all sectors of the market. However, as new data from the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) shows, manufacturers are struggling to keep pace with demand due to the ongoing shortage of critical components.

Following a 24% decline in bookings during 2020, orders have surged this year, with latest estimates predicting a 38% increase by year-end. Such a figure represents a 5.7% increase on the figures for pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

With industry demand expected to stay strong into next year, experts at Oxford Economics have predicted in their Autumn Economic Forecast, which has been produced for UKMHA constituent, BITA, a further 6.5% growth in bookings for 2022.

However, while deliveries have also recovered – currently hovering around levels seen in 2016, the economists have predicted supply issues could continue to disrupt delivery schedules well into next year before eventually subsiding.

“While shipments have staged a strong recovery, they are lagging well behind the growth in bookings,” states the new report. “This is natural due to lead times between bookings and shipping, but it likely also reflects wider supply chain issues that are affecting industries this year. We expect supply chain issues to persist well into next year, but they will eventually improve, and companies will continue to adapt. Therefore, the backlog will continue to rise into next year.”

The situation is by no means unique to lift trucks; virtually all aspects of the manufacturing industry are currently being disrupted due to the shortage of critical components. The situation is compounded by labour shortages, escalating fuel and energy costs, and raw material costs.

Nevertheless, surging consumer demand continues to drive the market and this is expected to remain the case during 2022, despite inflationary pressures.

One of the primary beneficiaries of the current situation has been the Counterbalance sector, which has witnessed a startling recovery. Prior to the pandemic, counterbalance bookings were in decline, falling more than 5% in 2019, with the weakness most pronounced in Class 4/5. The pandemic exacerbated the trend, with Classes 1 and 4/5 subsiding by 21% and 34% respectively last year, with the decline most prominent in the first half of the year.

Bookings staged a strong recovery throughout 2021 as pandemic restrictions eased. All classes were up well above 100% in the second quarter, while bookings for Class 1 continued to grow in Q3 but pulled back for Class 4/5 from the levels seen in the previous three months.

With industrial production predicted to rise by 5.6% this year, driven by strong consumer demand – a trend anticipated to continue into 2022, demand for the trucks is expected to remain high.

“Overall, we expect counterbalance orders to rise 33% this year. In 2022 we expect bookings to exceed 2019 levels after rising 17%,” adds the forecast.

If anything, the picture within the warehouse sector is even more positive, as growing consumer demand again influenced the market. The Oxford Economics report predicts e-commerce sales are likely to remain high going into 2022, relative to pre-Covid levels, despite shops reopening.

“We expect bookings will rise 42.5% in 2021 which will bring the sector 15% above 2019 levels,” states the report.

Tim Waples (pictured), CEO of UKMHA, said: “While these results reflect the continuous growth trend for 2021, they will make pleasant reading for our manufacturers and dealers, who have endured a torrid 18 months due to the pandemic.

“If the predictions are correct and growth can be maintained into next year, then the UK material handling sector is looking at a very prosperous 2022. It is all the more disappointing therefore, that supply issues are disrupting shipment of new trucks. Let us hope the situation can be resolved sooner rather than later – for everyone’s benefit.”

Sustainability and digitalisation – these two topics are currently the most important drivers in logistics. This is the conclusion following the successful premiere of Thesen am Tresen – the STILL Logistics Talk during the German Logistics Congress in Berlin. The Hamburg-based intralogistics company STILL is already planning a continuation of the hybrid talk show format for 2022.

Globalisation, digitalisation, environment, automation and security. Those five trend topics were the focus of 40-minute talks for investment decision-makers and logistics enthusiasts during the 38th edition of the German Logistics Congress (20th-22nd October) organised by the German Logistics Association (BVL) e. V. at the InterContinental Hotel. For this new format, STILL transformed the gourmet restaurant “Hugos” on the 14th floor of the hotel into a recording studio with the Berlin skyline as background. Those who were not present at the logistics summit were able to follow the clips live on the internet hosted by logistics journalists Anita Würmser and Thilo Jörgl.

“We received a very positive response both in the recording studio and in social media,” said Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Brand Management & Sales & Service Steering at STILL EMEA. “The audience was not only thrilled by the fact that renowned experts from business and science candidly analysed the current situation in logistics and defended their theses. The relaxed discussion of pointed theories at the bar also proved to be a highly interesting and entertaining format.”

Among the theses discussed were:

• Can we do without China? How the Corona crisis is changing value chains.
• Anything but exhaust fumes: This is what the forklift truck of the future looks like.
• The warehouse is dead. Long live the warehouse! How artificial intelligence is changing logistics.
• A digital dump is still a dump: How to avoid automating the wrong way.
• Mostly cloudy: How cloud applications prevent accidents in the warehouse.

“After the successful premiere of these opinionated talks at television level, we have decided to continue the format. Where we will set up the bar again and which theses we want to discuss will be announced in 2022,” says Müller.

Especially well received were the sessions on digitalisation and automation. Kevin Kufs, CEO at Hermes Fulfilment, underlined the importance of functioning high-performance logistics for the economic success of a CEP service provider. “The end customer does not forgive broken promises,” Kufs emphasised. For this reason, Hermes Fulfilment is planning further investments in digital tools but also in several automated logistics centres here in Germany. The time-consuming preparations are already underway.

“A major obstacle to innovative security concepts based on biometric data is data protection legislation,” stated Ansgar Bergmann, Technology & Innovation – CTR, Project Manager of the CTO at the KION Group. In connection with digital projects, Erik Wirsing, Vice President Global Innovation at DB Schenker, warned that companies underestimate the damage caused by hacker attacks: “Without data security, there is no business anymore these days,” was his thesis.

Jakub Piotrowski, CIO/CDO at BLG Logistics, took up the cudgels for cross-company cooperation in data projects because “digitisation will be expensive and the algorithm will determine success”. In the talk on digitalisation, he appealed to companies to act together on simple software projects for economic reasons. In this context, he referred to the topic of open source, so that not every company pushes ahead with the same elaborate software projects, but instead falls back on already existing, accessible programming. This is why BLG Logistics has also joined the Open Logistics Foundation.

In this context, Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael ten Hompel, Executive Director of the Fraunhofer IML, referred to the situation in the USA. A large part of the corporate assets generated on the other side of the Atlantic in 2020 were intangible assets, i.e. patents, algorithms and the like. This should be the way to think here in Germany, too. The chances for European companies to lead in the field of material handling in the future are good, according to the scientist.

“Europeans are at the forefront of intralogistics,” said Prof. ten Hompel. In his opinion, more companies should put the two trend topics of swarm intelligence and simulation-based artificial intelligence at the very top of their agendas.

Forging alliances and entering into partnerships – according to contract logistics expert Harald Seifert, this is also the right approach for logistics service providers and shippers to be successful in the future. In the sequence on globalisation, the chairman of the advisory board of Seifert Logistics Group stated that due to supply chain disruptions such as pandemics, strikes or environmental disasters, business-critical items should again be increasingly produced and stored in Europe – even if this is more expensive.

Ralf Düster, board member at Setlog, only partially agreed with him. He predicted that certain sectors, such as the fashion industry, would continue to produce goods largely in Asia. “This is the only way that importers and traders can continue to offer their goods at low prices and remain competitive,” said Düster.

In this context, Christine Mezger-Behan, Vice President Logistics System at KION ITS EMEA, emphasised that dual sourcing is becoming increasingly important for supply chains. In her view, strategically important parts will increasingly be purchased in Europe in the future, while the rest will be purchased in countries with low wage levels: “Each industry must decide for itself what is purchased in Europe and what is not,” said Mezger-Behan.

In addition to digitalisation, sustainability will also be a key issue in the global world of tomorrow. This was the tenor of the sequence on environment and climate. All experts agreed that the share of electric forklift trucks sold worldwide will continue to increase.

Nevertheless, Daniel Küster, Supply Chain Director of Warsteiner Group, does not want to immediately phase out forklift trucks with combustion engines from his fleet. For high-performance applications in the beverage industry in day and night operation, he considers his highly developed combustion engines to be more efficient than electric forklifts. However, like the scientist Prof. Dr. Thorsten Schmidt from the Technical University of Dresden, he expects significantly more powerful energy storage systems to come onto the market in the coming years.

These must, however, also remain affordable, says Küster. “We don’t need show cases but use cases,” Küster demanded at the bar. Rolf Beckmann, Director Engineering at Fiege Logistik Stiftung, added that the current development results of new battery types with sodium-ion technology are promising.

Anyone who missed the live streams can watch the recorded sessions HERE.

2021 sees Yale Europe Materials Handling celebrate Craigavon’s four decades of manufacturing excellence in Northern Ireland.

Since the plant opened in April 1981, thousands of lift trucks have been manufactured and exported annually to locations throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa. This has resulted in extensive growth for the plant’s operation line, becoming one of the largest volume forklift manufacturers in the UK.

“Over the last four decades, our people have worked together to conquer challenges, embrace new opportunities, and maintain forward momentum, and that is why our facility continues to succeed, evolve, and grow,” said Jim Downey, Plant Manager.

Thanks to the incredible dedication, perseverance, and loyalty from the Craigavon team, the site has achieved numerous accolades. Most notably, OHSAS 18001 accreditation for occupational health and safety, being awarded the Northern Ireland Quality Award in 2011 (EFQM) for areas such as Leadership, People, Strategy and Partnerships, winning the “Best Place to Work” at The Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards in 2013 and more recently, securing the Investors in People Gold Award for effective people management.

The facility maintains a reputation for being equipped with the most up to date manufacturing infrastructure and automated systems. Craigavon continues to build on this with a recent multi-million-pound investment focused specifically towards site development that will generate dozens of new jobs and apprenticeships.

Corporate Responsibility

During the site expansion, the plant has already attained several environmental achievements, with sustainability continuing to be a key driver for the company. The site has achieved ISO 14001 and 50001 certifications for continual commitments to the environment and energy efficiency. As part of the company’s Corporate Responsibility Objectives, the plant aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2026.

With targets set for reducing water consumption, waste, and landfill, the facility now recycles 97% of waste produced as well as incorporating waste reduction initiatives across the plant, right from the canteen kitchen through to the packaging on the assembly lines.

A commitment to biodiversity is also of key importance, with the site encouraging rare wildlife to flourish on its grounds. The latest plant extension incorporates a Sustainable Urban Drainage System, which mimics natural drainage and is more environmentally friendly to protect the surrounding ecosystem.

“Throughout its 40 years, the Craigavon facility has continued to innovate and prove its capability of being an agile and flexible facility, that is able to meet and exceed customer expectations through automation, people and processes. Now is as exciting a time as ever, as we adapt our assembly lines, connect with new technologies, and develop our product ranges, laying the foundations for future growth and many more decades of success,” Downey concludes.

The Halo Bar is an innovative new accessory option developed by Narrow Aisle Ltd for use with all models in the extensive Flexi Truck range of articulated lift truck-based intralogistics very narrow aisle (VNA) storage solutions .

Developed as a mounting for radio data terminals (RDTs), hands-free order-picking screens, label printers etc, the Halo Bar is quickly and easily fitted to a Flexi Truck’s chassis.

Its sturdy U-shaped design sits to the fore of the Flexi’s steering column and at its highest point the top of the Halo Bar’s arc curves below the steering wheel to ensure unobstructed operator forward vision – even when several RDT screens or printers are fitted.

In addition to its role as a computer mounting accessory, the Halo Bar allows stepping into and down from the Flexi’s cab even easier for operators. Operators simply grip the bar’s strong 40mm diameter steel tube with one hand when entering and exiting the Flexi during stock picking operations. This ‘single handed’ entry and exit functionality is both comfortable and safe and, in pre-launch trials, proved extremely popular with operators.

The Halo Bar’s dual functionality makes Flexi models highly suited to modern storage facilities that use screen-based pick lists and fulfilment centres where a high degree of picking and order assembly work takes place alongside full pallet movements.

John Maguire, Narrow Aisle’s managing director, comments: “The Halo Bar is a simple design but we believe that it represents a valuable and ergonomically advanced alternative to, for example, attaching in-cab computer terminals to a truck’s overhead guard which can obstruct the operator’s forward visibility when stacking loads.

“It is becoming quite common to see trucks in operation at some bigger sites with several truck-mounted, hands-free data terminals. The Halo Bar is designed to allow numerous devices to be positioned securely in the optimum viewing position without obstructing the operator’s forward or upward visibility.

“Also, the Halo Bar’s role as a convenient grip helps reduce the physical effort involved in getting on and off of the truck. With the range of operations undertaken within a modern warehouse continuing to grow significantly due to the rise of e-commerce, materials handling equipment is expected to carry out multiple tasks. So, at sites where a Flexi Truck operator is required to take on order picking and order assembly in addition to picking and putting away full pallet loads, the Halo Bar is particularly beneficial.”

A UK refractory manufacturer seeking to replace an ageing forklift has benefitted from a bespoke materials handling solution from Roburtrucks.

Derbyshire-based DSF Refractories & Minerals (DSF) is the largest shaped refractory manufacturer in the UK, producing heat-resistant materials for extreme-temperature applications, including the lining of glass furnaces and petrochemical reactors, exporting more than 80% of their refractory shapes. The company is a major importer of minerals and other raw materials, which it processes on-site for its own production requirements, as well as supplying other refractory manufacturers.

For over 10 years, DSF had used a counterbalanced machine to load and unload large refractory blocks from its kilns. As it reached the end of its service life, increasingly frequent issues were causing production downtime and costly repairs. Additionally, the machine’s stabilising attachment often damaged the refractory blocks and loads were sometimes unstable during movement. As this was an older machine that did not have power steering, this caused operator fatigue, which was highlighted by DSF as a possible risk of injury to the company’s staff.

Following an introduction to DSF by Endeavour Forklifts, Roburtrucks was appointed to design and build a bespoke handling solution, which would be fully fit for purpose in a hazardous manufacturing environment.

Objectives

Following a customer consultation with DSF, Roburtrucks began the design phase for a machine that would deliver the following materials handling and health and safety objectives:

• Incorporate power steering
• Grab refractory blocks safely and securely
• Ensure load stability when moving across uneven floors
• Be comfortable for operator use
• High reliability for continuous operation

Solution

Roburtrucks designed and manufactured a highly compact counterbalanced Stacker, featuring a unique securing clamp. The machine provides a lifting capacity of 1000kg (or 800kg with the removable clamp) and delivers two operational uses. As well its bespoke functionality, the removal of the clamp enables the machine to be utilised as a conventional counterbalanced Stacker for other purposes in the factory.

In order to prevent damage to the refractory blocks, the lifting clamps designed and engineered by Roburtrucks were coated with Secutex multi-functional geotextile, which allows some leniency in the material to ensure secure grabbing characteristics.

Results

The new machine delivered by Roburtrucks was quickly proven to increase productivity for DSF through the secure handling of refractory blocks weighing up to 600kg. Able to operate safely and efficiently across uneven floors in a challenging environment, the bespoke solution addressed all previous health and safety concerns. Equally, the reliability of the new machine has proven significant with no downtime incurred to date.

Russell Ferns, Health and Safety Officer, DSF Refractories & Minerals, commented: “From the introduction to Roburtrucks by Endeavour Forklifts through the design and build process, delivery and driver familiarisation, the service we have received was second to none. Nothing was too much trouble for the Roburtrucks team and this was a challenging project.

“We had experienced a number of failed attempts to get the right piece of kit for the specific purpose we needed but Roburtrucks delivered on its promise that the truck would meet all the desired objectives. Our long-term relationship with Mark Bann from Endeavour Forklifts meant that we weacre able to trust his judgment when recommending Roburtrucks to our company, which proved to be an excellent partnership.”

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